It’s a fast PG-13 horror ride: loud jump scares, demonic imagery, gross-out gags, and a few set pieces that spike the intensity. Horror fans will be fine; sensitive viewers may find some moments overwhelming.
Is Drag Me to Hell supposed to be funny?
Yes. Sam Raimi leans into dark slapstick and camp on purpose. The movie mixes dread with outrageous, sometimes comic shocks.
Review
Sam Raimi’s Drag Me to Hell is a deliberately funny horror film—neither too funny nor too scary. It’s not a classic, but it’s a refreshing return to a funhouse format that thrived in the 1980s. You’re meant to laugh at the gags, and you’ll occasionally find some edge-of-your-seat suspense. Expect to be grossed out; Raimi clearly wants you uncomfortable.
The plot is simple and straightforward: a bank loan officer is cursed by an older woman she refuses to help keep her home, and she must try to stop evil spirits from dragging her to hell.
I was caught off guard by the intentional hilarity. I’m so used to laughing at today’s horror movies because of how bad they are that this one almost tricked me. Cinematically, it’s not polished: the acting wobbles, the dialogue is often comical, and the pacing jolts. But once you understand Raimi’s aim, it plays. Known for his three Spider-Man films, Raimi is no neophyte to the horror-comedy lane; in many circles, he helped define it with his ’80s cult series The Evil Dead.
It’s also notable how Spanish-language elements and Mexican characters appear in the story. The opening minutes unfold in Spanish as a Mexican couple fights to save their son. Oscar-nominated Mexican actress Adriana Barraza (Babel) plays a spiritual practitioner seeking justice against evil. The Spanish-language sequences may challenge non-Spanish speakers, but bilingual viewers will appreciate the authenticity.
Overall, Drag Me to Hell is a senseless night out with friends who want to laugh and be grossed out. I wouldn’t pay top New York City prices for it (circa 2009), but at a bargain ticket it’s a fun time at the movies.
Where to watch
Availability changes. If it’s not on your subscriptions, rent or buy from major digital stores (Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play). Disc editions may include extras.
FAQ
Is Drag Me to Hell a horror comedy?
Primarily horror with a streak of slapstick and absurd shock gags—classic Raimi tone.
Is Drag Me to Hell a good movie?
Yes if you enjoy tight, crowd-pleasing scares and practical effects; less so if you want slow-burn psychological horror.
